# A Consultation explained — The Secret Adversary

> Chapter companion for The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie.

## What happens

Sir James, Tuppence, and Julius consult Dr. Hall about Jane Finn (alias Janet Vandemeyer). They learn that Mrs. Vandemeyer is dead from an accidental overdose of chloral, and that Jane Finn is suffering from complete loss of memory regarding events before the Lusitania sinking. Julius proposes an elaborate plan to reenact the sinking to shock her memory back.

## Themes in this chapter

### Post-War Disillusionment and Opportunity

The aftermath of the Lusitania sinking and the characters' efforts to recover lost information reflect the disruption and search for resolution after the war.

### Deception and Identity

Jane Finn's assumed identity as Janet Vandemeyer and her lost memory highlight themes of hidden identity and deception.

### Adventure and Escapism

Julius's audacious plan to reenact the Lusitania sinking for a cure embodies a bold, adventurous approach to a desperate situation.

## Character check-ins

### Tommy Beresford

Not present in this chapter.

### Tuppence Cowley

Present during the consultation with Dr. Hall; returns to the Ritz with Julius.

### Julius P. Hersheimmer

Proposes the elaborate plan to reenact the Lusitania sinking to restore Jane Finn's memory.

### Sir James Peel Edgerton

Arranges the consultation with Dr. Hall and handles the aftermath of Mrs. Vandemeyer's death.

### Jane Finn

Referred to as Janet Vandemeyer; revealed to be suffering from complete loss of memory regarding the Lusitania sinking.

### Mrs. Vandemeyer

Reported dead from an accidental overdose of chloral; had committed Jane Finn to Dr. Hall's care.

### Dr. Hall

The doctor who treated Jane Finn; provides information about her memory loss and the circumstances of her care.

## Key lines

> Wouldn’t it give a mighty big bump to her subconscious self, or whatever the jargon is, and start it functioning again right away?

Wouldn't that shock her subconscious and restore her memory?

_Julius proposes reenacting the Lusitania sinking to cure Jane's amnesia._

> Hire a liner⁠—Hire some passengers, hire a submarine⁠—that’s the only difficulty, I guess. Governments are apt to be a bit hidebound over their engines of war.

We can hire a ship and passengers, and even a submarine, though governments are strict about military equipment.

_Julius outlines his extravagant plan to recreate the sinking._

> Because Janet Vandemeyer is suffering from a complete loss of memory.

Because Janet Vandemeyer has total amnesia.

_Dr. Hall reveals Jane Finn's condition._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_adversary_se/chapters/xiv-a-consultation
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_adversary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_adversary_se/chapters